Fred Whitton 2016
Discussion
Heads up entries for the ballot open at midday today.
http://www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk/2016-entry/
http://www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk/2016-entry/
I'm really torn over whether to enter again this year - last year's edition was a great day out and I enjoyed it a lot, but I want to concentrate a bit more on fellrunning this year. I just know that if I don't enter and it turns out to be a nice day I'll be really annoyed! I might do the 'four seasons' thing with some mates later in the year instead.
Pleased to say I'm not entering this time, having done the last four. Glad of the day off! I might return next year - I wanted to get under 7 hours but failed at my last attempt.
In the past four years the weather has varied from poor to f
king awful - sods law dictates you are therefore certainly guaranteed cracking weather.
Some quick tips for those who haven't ridden it:
- Have appropriate gears for the steepest climbs in the UK. Most people require compact (34) and a 28 cassette.
- Don't go belting off at the start. It's a long day in the saddle (most people take over 8-9 hours) so build into it.
- Start snacking and sipping early. Don't wait to get hungry/thirsty.
- Don't hang around at the feed stops if you're after a good time. It's easy to waste 15 minutes and your legs won't thank you when you set off again.
- Try to look around and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Take care on the descents even if you're confident - they always catch people out.
- Show your appreciation to the marshals and spectators with a simple nod/wave/hello.
- Carry two tubes.
- Don't walk up Hardknott unless you physically can't turn the pedals. So many people give up without trying. You will get up it with suitable gearing - it will hurt but don't give up.
- Book your accommodation now if you're planning to stay the previous night. The Youth Hostel is a mile or so away - note this will involve a 20% climb back to the hostel after the ride! I'd advise NOT to drive to Grasmere on the morning of the ride - loads of people were queuing to get into the car park (field) on the morning as we were starting the ride.
In the past four years the weather has varied from poor to f
king awful - sods law dictates you are therefore certainly guaranteed cracking weather.Some quick tips for those who haven't ridden it:
- Have appropriate gears for the steepest climbs in the UK. Most people require compact (34) and a 28 cassette.
- Don't go belting off at the start. It's a long day in the saddle (most people take over 8-9 hours) so build into it.
- Start snacking and sipping early. Don't wait to get hungry/thirsty.
- Don't hang around at the feed stops if you're after a good time. It's easy to waste 15 minutes and your legs won't thank you when you set off again.
- Try to look around and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Take care on the descents even if you're confident - they always catch people out.
- Show your appreciation to the marshals and spectators with a simple nod/wave/hello.
- Carry two tubes.
- Don't walk up Hardknott unless you physically can't turn the pedals. So many people give up without trying. You will get up it with suitable gearing - it will hurt but don't give up.
- Book your accommodation now if you're planning to stay the previous night. The Youth Hostel is a mile or so away - note this will involve a 20% climb back to the hostel after the ride! I'd advise NOT to drive to Grasmere on the morning of the ride - loads of people were queuing to get into the car park (field) on the morning as we were starting the ride.
IF I don't get a new bike, I will be running a 34 front 30 rear.
If I get my new bike that has a 52/36, I'll be squeezing a 32 on the back as well!
I made the mistake last year of going off too fast. It's hard not to though, especially in the valley beside Ullswater!
My ride from last year - https://www.strava.com/activities/301944243
Steve
If I get my new bike that has a 52/36, I'll be squeezing a 32 on the back as well!
I made the mistake last year of going off too fast. It's hard not to though, especially in the valley beside Ullswater!
My ride from last year - https://www.strava.com/activities/301944243
Steve
I did the event last year and got passed by Steve (PH shirts) on top of one of the early climbs.
Here's my trace:
https://www.strava.com/activities/302387033
Really enjoyed it and want to do it again but my thoughts are just to go up there and do the route on a nicer day whenever it fits in rather than enter again, I know you can order a timing tag for this for official times if that's necessary!
Here's my trace:
https://www.strava.com/activities/302387033
Really enjoyed it and want to do it again but my thoughts are just to go up there and do the route on a nicer day whenever it fits in rather than enter again, I know you can order a timing tag for this for official times if that's necessary!
Be interesting to see how the A591 closure impacts the event (most of the road near dunmail raise washed away). Bypass round the back of Thirlmere at the moment but only for school bus I think, the kids then have to walk through temporary path to get another bus, or something like that. Date for road being fully reopened is end of May.
It won't affect the ride but will affect traffic from west Cumbria. I would have stayed the night before at my mums and so would have used this route. Last year, I drove straight into Grassmere at 6am but the traffic jam entering the village from the east (M6 and Windmere) was huge.
Steve
Steve
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